Planning Your Karlovy Vary Spa Town Visit

Getting to Karlovy Vary from Prague is very easy. Most people choose a bus or a train for the two-hour journey. You can find many day trips from Prague by train that stop here. The town is walkable, but some paths are quite steep. Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the hillside viewpoints. Many visitors also look for easy half-day trips from Prague, but Karlovy Vary deserves a full day. Here are some quick picks for your trip:

• Best overall: Mill Colonnade
• Best for families: Diana Observation Tower
• Best rainy-day: Jan Becher Museum
• Best free activity: Tasting mineral springs

10 Must-See Sights in Karlovy Vary

This list highlights the best experiences in the city. Each spot offers a unique look at local culture. Use this Karlovy Vary spa town visiting guide to plan your route. Most sights are located along the Tepla River. You can easily walk from one colonnade to the next.

1. Name: Mill Colonnade Type: sight Why go: It is the largest and most famous colonnade in town. It features 124 Corinthian columns and five different springs. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: Town center, riverside. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: A 10-minute walk from the main bus station. Tip: Look for the statues representing the 12 months of the year.
2. Name: Vřídlo Geyser Type: experience Why go: This is the hottest and most powerful spring in the city. It shoots water 12 meters into the air. Best for: Nature enthusiasts. Where: Hot Spring Colonnade. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located in the heart of the spa zone. Tip: Take the underground tour to see the thermal pipes.
3. Name: Diana Observation Tower Type: viewpoint Why go: It offers the best panoramic views of the entire valley. You can see the lush forests surrounding the town. Best for: Photographers. Where: Atop Friendship Hill. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Free tower entry; small fee for the funicular. Getting there: Take the funicular from near Grandhotel Pupp. Tip: Walk back down the forest paths to see the Deer Jump statue.
4. Name: Jan Becher Museum Type: museum Why go: Learn the history of Becherovka, a famous Czech herbal liqueur. The tour includes a tasting session of different varieties. Best for: Adults and foodies. Where: T.G. Masaryka street. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Near the main pedestrian shopping area. Tip: Buy a bottle at the gift shop for a lower price.
5. Name: Moser Glassworks Type: experience Why go: Moser is known as the "Glass of Kings." You can watch master glassblowers create luxury crystal items. Best for: Craft fans. Where: Kpt. Jaroše street. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Short bus or taxi ride from the center. Tip: Check the Visit Czechia site for current tour times.
6. Name: Market Colonnade Type: sight Why go: This white wooden structure has a unique Swiss style. It houses the Charles IV Spring, named after the town's founder. Best for: History buffs. Where: Near the Hot Spring. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Central spa zone. Tip: Notice the bronze relief depicting the discovery of the springs.
7. Name: Grandhotel Pupp Type: sight Why go: This is one of the most famous hotels in Europe. It served as a filming location for James Bond's Casino Royale. Best for: Luxury seekers. Where: Southern end of the spa zone. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free to view; price of a coffee to sit. Getting there: Walk to the end of the main riverside path. Tip: Visit the Cafe Pupp for a traditional Sacher torte.
8. Name: Elizabeth Baths Type: experience Why go: This is a public spa facility where you can book treatments. It is named after Empress Elisabeth (Sisi) of Austria. Best for: Relaxation. Where: Smetana Park. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Varies by treatment. Getting there: Near the northern entrance to the spa zone. Tip: Book your massage or bath at least one day in advance.
9. Name: Orthodox Church of Saint Peter and Paul Type: sight Why go: This stunning church features bright blue domes and gold leaf. It was built for wealthy Russian visitors in the 19th century. Best for: Culture seekers. Where: King George Street. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Small donation suggested. Getting there: A steep walk up from the Mill Colonnade. Tip: Dress modestly when entering the church.
10. Name: Imperial Spa (Císařské lázně) Type: sight Why go: This historic building recently reopened after a major renovation. It is an architectural masterpiece of the Belle Époque. Best for: Art lovers. Where: Near Grandhotel Pupp. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate for tours. Getting there: Southern end of the town center. Tip: Look for the Zander Hall with its ornate paintings.

Extending Your Trip Near Karlovy Vary

If you have extra time, explore the surrounding region. There are many day trips near Prague that connect well with this area. One popular choice is Loket Castle, a medieval fortress just 15 kilometers away. It is one of the best castles to visit near Prague for history lovers. You can also hike through the Slavkov Forest for fresh air. If you visit in winter, check out the best winter day trips from Prague for snowy views. The region is full of hidden gems and scenic landscapes.